Sci-Fi Bulletin: Exploring the Universes of SF, Fantasy, Horror and Spy-fi!

Twenty years after Doomsday, the Daleks and Cybermen are measuring up for a rematch, this time on audio.

Their names strike fear across the universe. The Daleks, mutant monsters from Skaro who, in their tank-like travel machines, exterminate anyone who isn’t like them. The Cybermen, augmented humanoids devoid of emotion, who convert their victims to be like them.

With both races spreading terror and conquest from planet to planet, it’s inevitable they’ll meet – and anyone caught in the crossfire will suffer the consequences.

Time War – Daleks vs Cybermen, due for release in March 2027, is an epic full-cast audio adventure, in which the planet Aoffus becomes the latest battleground for the two deadly armies… a battle which threatens to spread into the Last Great Time War.

Into the middle of this steps the War Doctor (Jonathon Carley). With his two oldest enemies unleashing fire and fury, the Doctor has his work cut out to temper the storm.

The box set’s four episodes are:

Mission Parameters
Love Story
Dalek War Doctor
Activation

The set is scripted by Nicholas Briggs, who said: “The initial idea came from our CEO, Jason Haigh-Ellery. He said he wanted a big-hitter series that would grab attention immediately and suggested the title Daleks vs Cybermen, half expecting me to laugh.

“But something immediately hit me about how this could be a very human story which also tackled the core of what the Daleks and Cybermen are, particularly if they end up locked in a conflict, fighting each other – and how would this affect the human race? And what’s more, what would the Time Lords think of it?

“From that point, the story started forming in my mind. It hardly occurred to me that I’d be writing a series in which I’d essentially be fighting myself on audio! And that will happen, of course, but this is a tale that delves deep into the human psyche in time of war and enemy occupation, and how the unlikeliest of people can be the heroes.”

Producer Alex Hewitt added: “Time War – Daleks vs Cybermen was one of the first projects offered to me when I came aboard Big Finish. I was very flattered that Nick Briggs asked me to take on this box set, as my mind went straight to two of his earlier series: Dalek Empire and the aptly titled Cyberman.

“Fans of those ranges will be fully aware that Nick has developed a knack for using Doctor Who’s two most successful monsters to explore the human condition. The Daleks and Cybermen are both more than 60 years old and their longevity is in no small part due to the reflection that they offer on our own flaws as human beings.

“At its core, this story is about far more than just a battle between Daleks and Cybermen – there are moments both heart-warming and heart-breaking, and Nick has packed these scripts full of wonderfully complex, nuanced characters. Throw in the Time War and Jonathon Carley’s brilliant War Doctor, and Time War – Daleks vs Cybermen is a no-brainer!”

Doctor Who: Time War – Daleks vs Cybermen is now available to pre-order for just £24.99 (download to own) or £35.99 (download to own + collector’s edition 4-disc CD box set) from Big Finish.